Visit Machu Picchu during a South America cruise: Which cruise line and ocean-going ships can be used to discover the Inca city in Peru?
Machu Picchu is THE cultural highlight of every cruise to Peru. Those who undertake a South America cruise therefore take advantage of the geographic proximity and often plan a shore excursion beforehand or an excursion to the legendary ruined city of the Incas immediately afterwards. The historic UNESCO world heritage site is located at an altitude of 2,430 meters in the Andes and is around 75 km north-west of the colonial city of Cusco. Whether Arica or Valparaíso in Chile or Callao in Peru: Before the adventure starts inland, the cruise ships first dock or cast off in the various port cities. Depending on the requirements, taste and choice of route, travelers have an immense wealth of choices as to whom they entrust with the mission of their personal dream vacation.
Which cruise lines have South America in their portfolio? For example, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours sends the Scenic Ecplise to Argentina, Chile and Tierra del Fuego. Silversea Cruises relies on the luxury yacht Silver Moon for their cruises. At Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the MS Europa sets course for the South American continent. This exclusive list also includes Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seaborn Cruises. Do you need inspiration for destinations or do you have general questions about cruises around South America? Our specialists will be happy to help you by phone or email.
Cruise offers to the port Machu Picchu / Peru
Brief historical outline: what is Machu Picchu and why was the Inca city built?
Machu Picchu is a ruined city located on a plateau between the Huayna Picchu Mountains and the eponymous Machu Picchu Mountain in the Andes at an altitude of 2,430 meters. According to today's historical research, the Inca ruler Pachacútec Yupanqui had the current archaeological site built in the mid-15th century. After its rediscovery in 1911, the American researcher Hiram Bingham brought it world fame. In a more than 20-page report in the National Geographic, he gave a detailed report via text and photos of what the expedition team from the elite Yale University experienced during the day-long hikes through the jungle.
On foot, by train and by plane: what is the best way to get to Machu Picchu?
There are different ways to get to Machu Picchu. The adventure usually starts on the west coast: For travelers of the cruise ship who go ashore in the Peruvian seaport of Callao, for example, they first have to fly in the direction of Cusco, which is about 80 kilometers from Machu Picchu. From here you can either take a bus or train in the direction of the ancient city. Adventurous outdoor fans choose the hike on foot and commit to the Inca Trail (highlights: snow-capped Andes and Amazon rainforest).
Many cruise lines have also prepared scheduled tours and complete excursion packages that include, but are not limited to, round-trip airfare, hotel accommodation, guide and/or train and bus service. Some cruise lines schedule expeditions to Machu Picchu before or at the end of the cruise. First comes the flight to Lima, then it's back to Cusco by air. Depending on the cruise trip and/or tour, you may not return to Peru, but may continue to embark in Valparaíso in Chile.
Understanding the hype: What's to see on site? And what makes Machu Picchu so special?
The remains of the huge area have always had a great deal of fascination. Especially when the fog lies over the city in the morning, you absolutely cannot escape its mysticism. The ruins, some with multi-storey buildings, have been very well preserved to this day. Whether residential houses, farms, squares, walls, stairs or temples as well as tombs: around 60 percent of the entire site is in its original condition. Machu Picchu has therefore rightly held the title of UNESCO world heritage since 1983 and has also been a member of the Club of the New Seven Wonders of the World since 2007. Very well known is the sundial in the ancient city of the Andean people, which adorns many photos as the main motif. Machu Picchu is divided into four architectural areas: residential, agricultural, workshops, as well as production and various spiritual places of worship. To this day, historical research is not entirely clear why the inhabitants left Machu Picchu after only around 100 years. In addition, questions arise as to how the Incas were able to build such imposing buildings, production facilities and complicated irrigation systems in the city even before the wheel was invented.
In which country / island is Machu Picchu located?
